Sliding exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sliding exercise apparatus which in some embodiments may include a hard layer frame which may comprise a hard surface; a body contacting layer which may comprise a body contacting surface located opposite to said hard surface and which may be coupled to the hard layer frame opposite to the hard surface; and a removable cover which may be configured to cover a portion of the hard surface. A method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint using the sliding exercise apparatus is also provided. The method may include moving an appendage of a user that is in communication with an appendage joint in flexion motion and/or extension motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving the appendage and apparatus across a resistive surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/808,582, filed on Jul. 24, 2015, entitled “SLIDING EXERCISE APPARATUS”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/524,389, filed on Oct. 27, 2014, entitled “SLIDING EXERCISE APPARATUS”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the fields of rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, exercise, and fitness. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatuses that facilitate motion and exercise.

BACKGROUND

Joints and muscles are very important for various physical activities such as safe ambulation (walking), stair climbing, moving objects, for balancing, and all other daily mobility activities. Most joints are capable of a wide range of motion including extension and flexion allowing for motions which may move a structure away from or towards the center of the body. Flexion describes a bending movement that decreases the angle between two body parts. When a joint can move forward and backward, such as the neck and trunk, flexion refers to movement in the anterior direction. For example, bending the elbow, or clenching a hand into a fist, are examples of flexion. When sitting down, the knees are flexed. Flexion of the shoulder or hip refers to movement of the arm or leg forward. Extension is the opposite of flexion, describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts. When a joint can move forward and backward, such as the neck and trunk, extension refers to movement in the posterior direction. For example, when standing up, the knees are extended. Extension of the hip or shoulder moves the arm or leg backward. When the chin is against the chest, the head is flexed, and the trunk is flexed when a person leans forward.

When injury occurs such as after stress, overuse, joint replacement or surgery, it is desirable to rehabilitate and exercise the affected muscles and joints to restore their ability to perform physical activities. In order to restore stability and range of movement, increase strength, and recover neurological capacities allowing the previously injured person the health and quality of life benefits afforded by the ability to perform physical activities. To aid in recovery, a person is often required to perform flexion and extension as well as other range of motion exercises with the injured or replaced joint.

Unfortunately, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are typically bulky and expensive which is prohibitive for in home, hospital and or clinic use which limits the time and frequency a person is able to perform these beneficial exercises. Additionally, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are also unable to allow a person to perform the exercises on different surfaces such as when a patient is required to perform heel slide flexion and extension exercises.

For example, a physical therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slide exercises and range of motion by placing their foot on a towel allowing flexion and extension exercises to be performed by sliding their foot or heel back and forth over a hard surface. In another example, a physical therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slides by placing their foot on a wooden board allowing flexion and extension exercises to be performed by sliding their foot and or heel back and forth over a soft or carpeted surface. However, a towel slides poorly over a soft or carpeted surface and a wooden board slides poorly over hard surfaces and may damage a hard surface over which it is slid. Even wooden or plastic boards comprising low friction skid plates may damage hard surfaces with a repetitive sliding motion which does not promote exercise compliance and consistency and does not motivate the patient to complete their heel slide exercise. In another example, a Physical Therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slide exercises by lying, sitting or long sitting on a mat or bed and sliding the foot or heel back and forth in flexion and extension on the mat or bed, however, the foot slides poorly over the (lumpy) bed surface and it is difficult to slide the foot back and forth on a mat due to friction.

Therefore, a need exists for novel apparatuses that facilitate motion and exercise. There is a further need for novel apparatuses that facilitate flexion and extension motion that are not bulky or prohibitively expensive. Finally, there exists a need for novel apparatuses that facilitate flexion and extension motion and exercise over a variety of surfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sliding exercise apparatus which may be configured to assist a person with physical activities is provided. These physical activities may be used for rehabilitation and exercise purposes include, but are not limited to, neural muscular reeducation, proprioceptive rehabilitation, and rehabilitation for the hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and any other muscle and joint which may benefit from being supported by the sliding exercise apparatus during motion. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a hard layer frame which may comprise a hard surface; a body contacting layer which may comprise a body contacting surface located opposite to said hard surface and which may be coupled to the hard layer frame opposite to the hard surface; and a removable cover which may be configured to cover a portion of the hard surface. The hard surface may be configured to make contact with the ground such as when the removable cover is removed from covering the hard surface, and the removable cover may be configured to make contact with the ground when the removable cover is positioned over a portion of the hard surface.

In further preferred embodiments, the hard layer frame may comprise a beveled edge that extends around and protrudes away from the perimeter of the hard surface, and the beveled edge may curve away from the hard surface towards the body contacting surface.

In further preferred embodiments, the removable cover may further comprise a resilient perimeter, and the resilient perimeter may be stretched over the hard surface and the beveled edge to removably couple the removable cover to the hard layer frame.

According to another aspect, a method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include: removing the torso weight from acting on appendage of a user; positioning a sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface; positioning an appendage of the user on a body contacting surface of sliding exercise apparatus; moving an appendage joint in flexion motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus towards torso; and moving appendage joint in extension motion under the level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus away from torso.

According to yet another aspect, a method of providing flexion and extension exercise under different levels of frictional resistance to a joint is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include: removing the torso weight from acting on appendage of a user; positioning a sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface so that hard surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide first level of frictional resistance; positioning a sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface so that removable cover surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide second level of frictional resistance; positioning an appendage of the user on the sliding exercise apparatus; moving an appendage joint in flexion motion under a selected level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus towards torso; and moving appendage joint in extension motion under the selected level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus away from torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a sectional, through line 4-4 shown in FIG. 2, elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional, through line 5-5 shown in FIG. 2, elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus with an optional non-slip layer positioned over the soft layer according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional, through line 6-6 shown in FIG. 3, elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus with an optional non-slip layer positioned over the hard layer frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus further comprising a removable cover according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the alternative example of FIG. 8, with the removable cover positioned over portions of the hard layer frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a sectional, through line 10-10 shown in FIG. 9, elevation view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus the removable cover positioned over portions of the hard layer frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user without the removable cover according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user with the removable cover positioned over portions of the hard layer frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an example of a method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method of providing flexion and extension exercise under different levels of frictional resistance to a joint according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

New sliding exercise apparatuses are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a sliding exercise apparatus (“the apparatus”) 100 in use by a user 200 according to various embodiments. In this example, the apparatus 100 comprises a hard layer frame 11 and a soft layer 12, and the user 200 has placed their foot onto the soft layer 12 of the apparatus 100, while the hard layer frame 11 may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the soft layer 12 of the apparatus 100, the hard layer frame 11 may allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and softer floor coverings such as carpets, rugs, and the like.

Alternatively, the user may turn the apparatus 100 over and place their foot onto the hard layer frame 11 of the apparatus 100, while the soft layer 12 may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the hard layer frame 11 of the apparatus 100, the soft layer 12 may allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and harder floor coverings such as tiling, hard wood, linoleum, and the like.

In further embodiments, a user 200 may place another appendage such as a knee, calf, thigh, hand, elbow, forearm, upper arm, hip, shoulder, head onto either the soft layer 12 or the hard layer frame 11, while the opposite hard layer frame 11 or soft layer 12, respectively, may allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion movement, extension movements, or any other movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and softer or harder floor coverings.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 comprising a soft layer 12 according to various embodiments described herein. In preferred embodiments, a soft layer 12 is configured to slide over a surface or floor covering such as tiling, hard wood, linoleum, and other like hard floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance. The soft layer 12 may be positioned on a first or second side of the apparatus 100, preferably positioned on an opposite side of the apparatus 100 relative to the hard layer frame 11, and may comprise a substantially flexible and preferably fabric or cloth material such as natural and synthetic felt materials, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, Astroturf-like materials, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex, and Kevlar, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, leather, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.

A soft layer 12 may comprise one or more soft surfaces 15 which are configured to reduce frictional resistance between the soft layer 12 and a solid floor covering such as a wood or linoleum floor. In preferred embodiments, a soft surface 15 may comprise a generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth or uniformly textured finish. A generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth or uniformly textured finish may allow a soft surface 15 to slide over a hard floor covering such as hardwood flooring with little frictional resistance between the soft surface 15 and the floor covering. In further embodiments, a soft layer 12 of an apparatus 100 may comprise two, three, four, or more soft surfaces 15, each of which may be configured to contact a floor covering and to reduce frictional resistance between the soft layer 12 and the floor covering. It should be noted that the apparatus 100 may be used by a person in variety of positions such as in the sitting position (e.g. sitting on a chair or bench), long sitting (e.g. sitting upright on mat or bed with legs extended) or alternatively in a supine position (e.g. laying on the ground, table, or bed).

Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a second side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 comprising a hard layer frame 11 according to various embodiments described herein is shown. In preferred embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 is configured to slide over a surface or floor covering such as carpeting, rugs, and other like soft floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance. The hard layer frame 11 may be positioned on a first or second side of the apparatus 100, preferably positioned on an opposite side of the apparatus 100 relative to the soft layer 12, and may comprise a substantially rigid material such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other substantially rigid plastics, resins, ceramics, wood, carbon fiber, glass, metals and metal alloys, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.

A hard layer frame 11 may comprise one or more hard surfaces 14 which are configured to reduce frictional resistance between the hard layer frame 11 and a floor covering. In preferred embodiments, a hard surface 14 may comprise a generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth finish. A generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth finish may allow a hard surface 14 to slide over a soft floor covering such as carpeting with little frictional resistance between the hard surface 14 and the floor covering. In further embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 of an apparatus 100 may comprise two, three, four, or more hard surfaces, each of which may be configured to contact a floor covering and to reduce frictional resistance between the hard layer frame 11 and the floor covering.

As perhaps best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured with a generally peanut shape wherein the hard layer frame 11 may terminate with a first rounded end 17 on one end, terminate at a second rounded end 17 on an opposing end, and also include two concave central regions connecting the first rounded end 17 to the second rounded end 17. In some further preferred embodiments, the soft layer 12 and/or the cushion layer 13 of the apparatus 100 may also be configured with a peanut shape that is generally complementary in shape to a hard layer 11 configured in a peanut shape. A peanut shape may be configured to accept the foot and other appendages as generally comprising a first rounded end 17, a second rounded end 17, and two concave central regions connecting the first rounded end 17 to the second rounded end 17 that are generally larger in size than a user's foot or other appendages.

It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the hard layer 11, the soft layer 12, and/or a cushion layer 13 may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, round shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonally shaped, triangular shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 2-6, in preferred embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 may comprise a beveled edge 11A that extends around and from the perimeter of a hard surface 14 that curves away from a hard surface 14 towards a soft surface 15 of the soft layer 12. In other embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 may comprise two or more beveled edges 11A that extends around and from portions of the perimeter of a hard surface 14, and that curve away from a hard surface 14 towards a soft surface 15 of the soft layer 12 as shown in the cross-sectional views of examples of the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6.

Also in preferred embodiments, a beveled edge 11A is configured to not extend above a soft surface 15 so that when a soft surface 15 placed on a surface such as a floor covering, a beveled edge is unable to contact the floor covering. In further embodiments, a beveled edge 11A is configured to soften the edge of a hard layer frame 11 for the sake of safety, wear resistance, reducing frictional resistance as a hard surface 14 slides over a surface such as a floor covering, aesthetics, or to facilitate coupling the hard layer frame 11 with another element such as a soft layer 12 or cushion layer 13. In some embodiments, a beveled edge 11A may comprise a generally planar edge or bevel that extends away from a hard surface 14 at an angle. In other embodiments, a beveled edge 11A may comprise a generally planar edge or chamfer that extends away from a hard surface 14 at an angle. In further embodiments, a beveled edge 11A may comprise a generally rounded or concave edge that extends away from a hard surface 14 in a curved manner.

In preferred embodiments and in those depicted in FIGS. 4-6, an apparatus 100 may comprise one or more cushion layers 13 comprising a resilient material which may be positioned between a hard layer frame 11 and a soft layer 12. A cushion layer 13 may be configured to absorb impacts or provide a resilient cushioning layer between a hard layer frame 11 and a soft layer 12. In preferred embodiments, a cushion layer 13 may comprise silicone rubber. In other embodiments, a cushion layer may comprise ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, or any other suitable elastomer or resilient material including combinations of materials.

In preferred embodiments, the hard layer frame 11 is coupled to a first side of a cushion layer 13, while the soft layer 12 is coupled to a second side of the cushion layer 13. In other embodiments, the hard layer frame 11 is coupled to a first cushion layer 13, the soft layer 12 is coupled to a second cushion layer 13, and the two cushion layers 13 are coupled together. In further embodiments, the hard layer frame 11 may be coupled to a first cushion layer 13, the soft layer 12 is coupled to a second cushion layer 13, and one or more other cushion layers 13 are coupled between the two cushion layers 13 that are coupled to the hard layer frame 11 and the soft layer 12. In alternative embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 may be coupled to a soft layer 12.

The hard layer frame 11, soft layer 12, and optionally one or more cushion layers 13 may be coupled be being connected, removably connected, or integrally formed or molded together. In some embodiments, the hard layer frame 11, soft layer 12, and optionally one or more cushion layers 13 may be permanently coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, the hard layer frame 11, soft layer 12, and optionally one or more cushion layers 13 may be temporarily coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as magnetic type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, the hard layer frame 11, soft layer 12, and optionally one or more cushion layers 13, and/or any other element described herein may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of an apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, an apparatus 100 may comprise a non-slip layer 16 (FIGS. 5 and 6). In preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer 16 may be temporarily coupled to a soft surface 15 (FIG. 5) so that a user may place an appendage such as a foot on the non-slip layer 16 to prevent their appendage from slipping off of the apparatus 100 as the user manipulates the apparatus 100 by sliding a hard surface 14 over a surface such as a soft floor covering. In other preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer 16 may be temporarily coupled to a hard surface 14 (FIG. 6) so that a user may place an appendage such as a foot on the non-slip layer 16 to prevent their appendage from slipping off of the apparatus 100 as the user manipulates the apparatus 100 by sliding a soft surface 15 over a surface such as a hard floor covering.

In preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer 16 may comprise or be constructed from Dycem®. In other embodiments, a non-slip layer 16 may comprise vinyl, ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, rubberized fabrics and webbings, grip fabrics, grip tapes, textured fabrics, or any other suitable friction enhancing material.

A non-slip layer 16 may preferably be temporarily coupled to a hard surface 14 or soft surface 15 by simply placing the non-slip layer 16 onto the hard surface 14 or soft surface 15 and then placing an appendage such as a foot onto the non-slip layer 16. In other embodiments, a non-slip layer 16 may preferably be permanently or temporarily coupled to a hard surface 14 or soft surface 15 by any other suitable coupling method.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 in use by a user 200 according to various alternative embodiments. In this example, the apparatus 100 comprises a hard layer frame 11 and a soft layer 12, and the user 200 has placed their foot onto the soft layer 12 of the apparatus 100, while the hard layer frame 11 may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the soft layer 12 of the apparatus 100, the hard layer frame 11 may allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and softer floor coverings such as carpets, rugs, and the like. In this particular embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises parallel straight side edges with each side edge terminating in a rounded end 17.

Turning now to FIGS. 8-10, an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 further comprising a removable cover 20 according to various embodiments described herein is illustrated. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a removable cover 20 which may be removably coupled over and/or to portions of a hard layer frame 11. In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a body contacting layer 22 and the removable cover 20 which may be removably coupled over portions of a hard layer frame 11 and over portions of a body contacting layer 22. In preferred embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 is configured to slide over a surface or floor covering such as carpeting, rugs, and other like soft floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance. The removable cover 20 may be made from a fabric material and once positioned over portions of the hard layer frame 11, the removable cover 20 may allow the apparatus 100 to slide over a hard surface or floor covering such as tile, wood, and other like hard floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance.

The hard layer frame 11 may be positioned on a first or second side of the apparatus 100, preferably positioned on an opposite side of the apparatus 100 relative to a body contacting layer 22. The hard layer frame 11 may comprise a hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5) configured to contact floor surfaces and coverings such as carpet, rugs, and the like. The hard layer frame 11 and a hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5) may comprise a substantially rigid material such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other substantially rigid plastics, resins, ceramics, wood, carbon fiber, glass, metals and metal alloys, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.

The hard layer frame 11 may comprise a beveled edge 11A that extends around and from the perimeter of a hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10) that curves away from a hard surface 14 towards a soft surface 15 of the soft layer 12. In other embodiments, a hard layer frame 11 may comprise two or more beveled edges 11A that extends around and from portions of the perimeter of a hard surface 14, and that curve away from a hard surface 14 towards a body contacting surface 23 of the body contacting layer 22 as shown in the cross-sectional view of illustrated in FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a body contacting layer 22 which may form a body contacting surface 23. The body contacting surface 23 may be configured to contact portions of a user's body 200 (FIGS. 1 and 7) such as a foot, knee, leg, hand, arm, and the like. Additionally, clothing and objects associated with a user's body may contact the body contacting surface 23, such as shoes, clothes, gloves, booties, and the like. A body contacting layer 22 may optionally be formed by a soft layer 12 and/or a cushion layer 13. Similar to a cushion layer 13 and/or a soft layer 12, a body contacting layer 22 may be configured to absorb impacts or provide a resilient cushioning layer between a hard layer frame 11 and the user 200.

The body contacting layer 22 may be made from soft or cushion materials such as silicone rubber, closed cell foams, ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, or any other suitable elastomer or resilient material, fabric or cloth materials such as natural and synthetic felt materials, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, Astroturf-like materials, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex, and Kevlar, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, leather, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, a removable cover 20 may be removably coupled to or over portions of the hard layer frame 11 and/or to or over portions of a body contacting surface 23. In some embodiments, a removable cover 20 may cover one or more portions of the hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10). The removable cover 20 may comprise a removable cover surface 25 (FIG. 10) which may be configured to contact and move across a resistive surface 300 (FIGS. 11 and 12) which may include a floor surface, such as carpeting, tile, linoleum, wood, a bed surface, such as a quilt, blanket, sheet, a furniture surface, such as a cushion, throw cover, or any other surface and the like. The removable cover 20 may be made from or comprise a substantially flexible and preferably fabric or cloth material such as natural and synthetic felt materials, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, Astroturf-like materials, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex, and Kevlar, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, leather, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials. Once placed over portions of the hard layer frame 11, the removable cover 20 may contact a floor surface or covering in place of the hard layer frame 11 to reduce frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and a solid floor surface or covering such as a wood or linoleum floor.

In some embodiments, the removable cover 20 may comprise resilient perimeter 21 which may be configured to stretch or expand and to then return to its original size. In further embodiments, the resilient perimeter 21 may comprise an elastic or resilient material commonly referred to as elastic. In still further embodiments, a resilient perimeter 21 may comprise an elastic or resilient material such as spandex, lastex, Lycra®, rubber, silicone rubber, elastic plastics, or any other material or combination or materials that are substantially able to regain its shape after deformation. The resilient perimeter 21 may be stretched over portions of the hard layer frame 11, such as the hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10) and beveled edge 11A, and then allowed to attempt to return to its un-stretched size, thereby removably coupling and maintaining the removable cover 20 on or over the hard layer frame 11 such as a portion of the hard surface 14 and on or over all or a portion of the beveled edge 11A. The removable cover 20 may be removed from covering portions of the hard layer frame 11 by stretching the resilient perimeter 21 and then removing the removable cover 20.

In other embodiments, a removable cover 20 may be removably coupled over a portion of the hard layer frame 11 to cover a portion of the hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10) by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary or removable connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In still other embodiments, a resilient perimeter 21 may comprise a draw string, or the like, which may be tightened and loosened in order to secure and remove the removable cover 20 from covering portions of the hard layer frame 11.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 in use by a user 200 without the removable cover 20 (FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 12) on a resistive surface 300 according to various embodiments described herein is illustrated. In this example, the user 200 has placed their foot onto the body contacting surface 23 of the body contacting layer 22 of the apparatus 100, while the hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10) of the hard layer frame 11 may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the body contacting layer 22 of the apparatus 100, the hard layer frame 11 may slide across a resistive surface 300, such as a floor surface or bed surface, to allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and softer resistive surfaces 300, such as floor coverings including carpets, rugs, and the like, be surfaces including blankets, sheets, quilts, and the like.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, a perspective view of an alternative example of a sliding exercise apparatus 100 in use by a user 200 with the removable cover 20 positioned over portions of the hard layer frame on a resistive surface 300 according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, the user 200 has placed their foot onto the body contacting surface 23 of the body contacting layer 22 of the apparatus 100, while the removable cover 20 may contact a resistive surface 300 such as a floor instead of the hard surface 14 (FIGS. 3-5, 10) of the hard layer frame 11 (FIGS. 1-8, 10, and 11). By moving their foot while it is resting on the body contacting layer 22 of the apparatus 100, the removable cover 20 may slide across resistive surfaces 300 to allow the user 200 to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus 100 and harder resistive surfaces 300 and floor coverings such as tiling, hard wood, linoleum, and the like.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an example of a method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint (“the method”) 400 according to various embodiments described herein. The method 400 may be accomplished with a sliding exercise apparatus 100 (FIGS. 1-12) by a user 200 (FIGS. 1, 7, 11, and 12) having a torso and a joint that is in communication with an appendage and the torso. For example, the joint may be the knee joint and the appendage may be the foot, optionally disposed within an article of footwear such as a shoe or sock.

In some embodiments, the method 400 may begin 401 and the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 in step 402. In further embodiments, the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 by having the user 200 occupy a seated position so that the weight of their torso is supported by a chair, article of furniture or the like. In other embodiments, the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 by having the user 200 occupy a supine position so that the weight of their torso is supported by a bed, resistive surface 300 (FIGS. 11 and 12), article of furniture, or the like thereby allowing the user 200 to recline their torso or lay down their torso.

Next in step 403, the sliding exercise apparatus 100 may be positioned on a resistive surface 300 which may include a floor surface, such as carpeting, tile, linoleum, wood, a bed surface, such as a quilt, blanket, sheet, a furniture surface, such as a cushion, throw cover, or any other surface and the like. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be positioned so that the hard surface 14 is in contact with the resistive surface 300 as shown in FIG. 11. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be positioned so that the removable cover surface 25 is in contact with the resistive surface 300 as shown in FIG. 12.

In step 404, the appendage may be positioned on the body contacting surface 23 of sliding exercise apparatus 100. For example, the foot, calf, knee, hand, arm, neck, and the like may be placed or positioned on the body contacting surface 23 so that the appendage is resting on the apparatus 100 and so that the apparatus 100 provides the interface between the appendage and the resistive surface 300.

Next, the appendage joint may be moved in flexion motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on the apparatus 100 towards the torso while the appendage is in contact with the apparatus 100 and while the apparatus 100 is also in contact with the resistive surface 300 in step 405. In this manner, as the apparatus 100 moves across the resistive surface 300, the friction between the apparatus 100 and the resistive surface 300 may provide the frictional resistance to the flexion motion. This frictional resistance, in addition to supporting the appendage during flexion motion, facilitates motion and exercise of the joint, muscles associated with the joint, and/or other muscles and joints of the user.

In step 406, the appendage joint may be moved in extension motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on the apparatus 100 away from the torso while the appendage is in contact with the apparatus 100 and while the apparatus 100 is also in contact with the resistive surface 300. In this manner, as the apparatus 100 moves across the resistive surface 300, the friction between the apparatus 100 and the resistive surface 300 may provide the frictional resistance to the extension motion. This frictional resistance, in addition to supporting the appendage during extension motion, facilitates motion and exercise of the joint, muscles associated with the joint, and/or other muscles and joints of the user.

Optionally, steps 405 and/or 406 may be repeated for any desired number of times or repetitions. Once the desired number of repetitions, including no repetitions, of steps 405 and 406 has been accomplished, the method 400 may finish 407.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method of providing flexion and extension exercise under different levels of frictional resistance to a joint (“the method”) 500 according to various embodiments described herein. The method 500 may be accomplished with a sliding exercise apparatus 100 (FIGS. 1-12) by a user 200 (FIGS. 1, 7, 11, and 12) having a torso and a joint that is in communication with an appendage and the torso. For example, the joint may be the shoulder joint and the appendage may be the arm or elbow.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may begin 501 and the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 in step 502. In further embodiments, the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 by having the user 200 occupy a seated position so that the weight of their torso is supported by a chair, article of furniture or the like. In other embodiments, the torso weight may be removed from acting on the appendage of the user 200 by having the user 200 occupy a supine position so that the weight of their torso is supported by a bed, resistive surface 300 (FIGS. 11 and 12), article of furniture, or the like thereby allowing the user 200 to recline their torso or lay down their torso.

In step 503, the sliding exercise apparatus 100 may be positioned on a resistive surface 300 which may include a floor surface, such as carpeting, tile, linoleum, wood, a bed surface, such as a quilt, blanket, sheet, a furniture surface, such as a cushion, throw cover, or any other surface and the like, so that the hard surface 14 is in contact with resistive surface 300 to provide first level of frictional resistance as shown in FIG. 11. Since the hard surface 14 preferably may be made of a smooth, hard material, it will have a first level of frictional resistance as it moves across the resistive surface 300 whether the resistive surface 300 is a soft surface, such as carpeting, or a hard surface, such as hardwood flooring.

In step 504, the sliding exercise apparatus 100 may be positioned on a resistive surface 300 which may include a floor surface, such as carpeting, tile, linoleum, wood, a bed surface, such as a quilt, blanket, sheet, a furniture surface, such as a cushion, throw cover, or any other surface and the like, so that removable cover surface 25 (FIG. 10) is in contact with resistive surface 300 to provide second level of frictional resistance as shown in FIG. 12. Since the removable cover surface 25 preferably may be made of a cloth or fabric material, it will have a second level of frictional resistance that is different than the first level of frictional resistance provided by the hard surface 14 as it moves across the resistive surface 300 whether the resistive surface 300 is a soft surface, such as carpeting, or a hard surface, such as hardwood flooring.

Next in step 505, the appendage may be positioned on the body contacting surface 23 of sliding exercise apparatus 100. For example, the foot, calf, knee, hand, arm, neck, and the like may be placed or positioned on the apparatus 100 so that the appendage is resting on the apparatus 100 and so that the apparatus 100 provides the interface between the appendage and the resistive surface 300.

Next, the appendage joint may be moved in flexion motion under a selected level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on the apparatus 100 towards the torso while the appendage is in contact with the apparatus 100 and while the apparatus 100 is also in contact with the resistive surface 300 in step 506. In this manner, as the apparatus 100 moves across the resistive surface 300, the friction between the apparatus 100 and the resistive surface 300 may provide the first level of frictional resistance, if the hard surface 14 is in contact with resistive surface 300, or may provide the second level of frictional resistance, if the removable cover surface 25 is in contact with resistive surface 300, to the flexion motion. The selected frictional resistance level, in addition to supporting the appendage during flexion motion, facilitates motion and exercise of the joint, muscles associated with the joint, and/or other muscles and joints of the user.

In step 507, the appendage joint may be moved in extension motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on the apparatus 100 away from the torso while the appendage is in contact with the apparatus 100 and while the apparatus 100 is also in contact with the resistive surface 300. In this manner, as the apparatus 100 moves across the resistive surface 300, the friction between the apparatus 100 and the resistive surface 300 may provide the first level of frictional resistance, if the hard surface 14 is in contact with resistive surface 300, or may provide the second level of frictional resistance, if the removable cover surface 25 is in contact with resistive surface 300, to the extension motion. The selected frictional resistance level, in addition to supporting the appendage during extension motion, facilitates motion and exercise of the joint, muscles associated with the joint, and/or other muscles and joints of the user.

Optionally, steps 506 and/or 507 may be repeated for any desired number of times or repetitions. Once the desired number of repetitions, including no repetitions, of steps 506 and 507 has been accomplished, the method 500 may finish 508.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint that is in communication with an appendage of a user having a torso with a sliding exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a hard layer frame comprising a hard surface; a body contacting layer comprising a body contacting surface located opposite to said hard surface and coupled to the hard layer frame opposite to the hard surface; a removable cover configured to cover a portion of the hard surface, and wherein the removable cover comprises a removable cover surface; and wherein said hard surface is configured to make contact with a resistive surface when the removable cover is removed from covering the hard surface, and wherein said removable cover is configured to make contact with the resistive surface when the removable cover is positioned over a portion of the hard surface, and the method comprising: removing torso weight from acting on the appendage; positioning sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface; positioning appendage on body contacting surface of sliding exercise apparatus; moving appendage joint in flexion motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus towards the torso; and moving appendage joint in extension motion under the level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus away from the torso.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable cover is constructed from one of cloth or fabric material.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable cover is removably coupled to the hard layer frame.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable cover further comprises resilient perimeter.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the resilient perimeter may be stretched over the hard surface to removably couple the removable cover to the hard layer frame.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hard surface contains a planar ground contacting region with a smooth finish.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the hard layer frame is constructed from a substantially rigid plastic material.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the hard layer frame is constructed from a substantially rigid material selected from one of nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), or low density polyethylene (LDPE).
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the hard layer frame comprises a beveled edge that extends around and protrudes away from the perimeter of the hard surface.
 10. A method of providing flexion and extension exercise under different levels of frictional resistance to a joint that is in communication with an appendage of a user having a torso with a sliding exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a hard layer frame comprising a hard surface; a body contacting layer comprising a body contacting surface located opposite to said hard surface and coupled to the hard layer frame opposite to the hard surface; a removable cover configured to cover a portion of the hard surface, and wherein the removable cover comprises a removable cover surface; and wherein said hard surface is configured to make contact with a resistive surface when the removable cover is removed from covering the hard surface, and wherein said removable cover is configured to make contact with the resistive surface when the removable cover is positioned over a portion of the hard surface, and the method comprising: removing torso weight from acting on the appendage; positioning sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface so that hard surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide first level of frictional resistance; positioning sliding exercise apparatus on a resistive surface so that removable cover surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide second level of frictional resistance positioning appendage on sliding exercise apparatus; moving appendage joint in flexion motion with selected level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus towards torso; and moving appendage joint in extension motion with selected level of frictional resistance by moving appendage on apparatus away from torso.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the removable cover is removably coupled to the hard layer frame.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the removable cover is constructed from one of cloth or fabric material.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the hard surface contains a planar ground contacting region with a smooth finish.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the hard layer frame is constructed from a substantially rigid plastic material.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is positioned on a resistive surface so that the hard surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide first level of resistance, and wherein apparatus is positioned on a resistive surface so that the removable cover surface is in contact with resistive surface to provide second level of resistance.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first level of resistance is different than the second level of resistance.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the first level of resistance is greater than the second level of resistance.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the first level of resistance is less than the second level of resistance.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the removable cover further comprises a resilient perimeter.
 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the resilient perimeter may be stretched over the hard surface and the beveled edge to removably couple the removable cover to the hard layer frame. 